Lindsay May

GIRL WITH GRIT

Independent
Lindsay May’s new six-song EP, Girl With Grit, sounds like it could have been written by Kathleen Edwards if she’d started the day with a couple of pots of espresso. From the opening track, “Not Gonna Fade Away,” to the closer, “Tell Me Everything,” the production on Girl With Grit is pitch-perfect country. Often compared to Lucinda Williams and Alison Krauss, May’s sound is clean and authentic.

Working beside co-producer Mark Gordon, she has created an excellent showcase for her considerable talents as a singer-songwriter. Listening to Girl With Grit, it’s hard to believe that it wasn’t the result of some magic studio in Nashville.

Raised in the tiny town of Shuswap, B.C., May has been honing her craft for more than 10 years under the tute-
lage of such Canadian masters as Bill Henderson (Chilliwack) and Roy Forbes (Bim). She’s been a finalist for many prestigious songwriting awards, includ ing the new folk finalist for 2012 at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, a festival that’s all about songwriting.

What sets May apart from many of her contemporaries is the vividness of her lyrics. On “Run Away With Me” she tells her travelling companion, “We’ll drive until there’s nothing in the rear view but new memories.” What road tripper hasn’t had the experience of looking at the road behind and feeling the past slip away?

Fully half the songs on Girl With Grit could easily be singles—not too bad for a self-produced EP. Recommended. - Herizons Magazine

the Shuswap’s Lindsay May represents an entirely different sort of act – folk-based but somewhat experimental, having earned her that elusive “alt-country/Americana” tag. Not entirely accurate, Lindsay’s live performance differs greatly from her recorded works. She clearly aims for more of a pop vein, with thoughtful lyrics grafted to memorable melodies. Some songs stand head and shoulders above others – each clearly redefined and reworked as the solo performer reinvents them, accompanying herself on numbers traditionally given life by multiple musicians. Adept on guitar and mandolin alike, she covers a lot of ground, stylistically, with the strength and flexibility to make it happen. Like Browne, she’s a wanderer in the troubadour tradition yet, unlike Browne, she’s still seeking a solo style to call her own and it’s clearly evolving. Equipped with an engaging stage presence and a sincere gift for gab, she’s also blessed with a larger-than-life voice and the enthusiasm to drive it home, commanding complete attention. - Roots Music Canada

Recorded over the past six months with co-producer Mark Gordon at Nimbus School of the Recording Arts, Vancouver singer-songwriter May doesn’t miss a single detail on this 10-track release. Every guitar slide, breathy harmony and note is Nashville-quality which is exactly where her music is geared. Already lauded by folkies in the know, it’s time that some DJs started showing some love to songs such as the “party all night” vibe of “Spinning 45s” and the tour de force of “Lie to You” (which gets both a band and solo acoustic treatment to clearly note how strong the writing is). That she’s blessed with killer pipes which can go all torch singer on a tune such as “Stick Around,” only to slide into almost ’70s Laurel Canyon country/rock balladry on “It Ain’t Easy . . . Being Me,” is one more bit of icing on the cake. Guess that’s why she does everything from solo gigs to the annual Motown Meltdown charity gig at the Commodore Ballroom (March 31) with such ease. For fans of everyone from Kathleen Edwards to Linda Ronstadt and all points in between.

Grade: A-

CD Release at Joe’s Apartment, Thursday, early show. - The Vancouver Province

Lindsay May - Shimmer
Album Review by: Andrea Guy


With a little bit of folk and a heaping helping of country, Lindsay May storms into your ears. Her latest release Shimmer is proof that good music with a country feel doesn't always come from Nashville. Lindsay May hails from Kelowna, BC.

Shimmer is May's second album and its a thing of beauty. Ten perfect songs gathering together on one album reminding us that albums can be good from start to finish. Lindsay hits on some of the most important things that make an album great; good songwriting, a great voice, and great musicianship. With these things in place, it is no wonder that Shimmer is so good.

With an album where no track can be labeled a pot boiler, it is hard to point out stand out tracks. "Spinning 45's" is a bluesy country rocker. Its a twangy song with great guitar riffs. As Lindsay sings out the names of some great classic artists, she'll have younger listeners wondering what these 45s are, that she's singing about. The rest of us, will smile and try not to feel old. This song is pure fun.

The album's title track "Shimmer" is a surprisingly more pop oriented song. It is definitely radio friendly. It is easy to imagine it being played back to back with artists like Gloriana or Lady Antebellum.

"Star In The Sky" is a folk song with a sweet lyric and a gentle melody. Lindsay's voice is very much her own for the most part, but on this particular song she sounds more than a little bit like Natalie Merchant.

There's a little bit of a dreamer in "Nashville." The song illustrates perfectly, a singer/songwriters determination to get to the city where she could reach her dream. The opening line sets the stage as Lindsay sings, "I've got my guitar. I've written twenty songs so far. And all I can think about is Nashville."

Lindsay's music has been described at alt-country. This genre as always seemed to be more like country that reflects more of what country music used to be like. There's a little bit of that sound to Lindsay's music, but she's not an artist that can easily be put in category. The first version of "Lie To You" has a hint of bluegrass to it, but an acoustic version of the song closes the album, and the two versions could not be more different. The acoustic version will definitely appeal to those that like a little less twang to their music.

"Stick Around" is the bluesy-est song on the album. The melody is slow and smooth, but the guitars really wail and even whine on this one. The instruments really convey the sorrow of the lyrics.

"Off in the distance, between hope and despair, there is a finish line, will you wait for me there."

Perhaps its companion song is the more fun sounding "Hang Around." This girl isn't worried about the guy leaving her. In this case she's ready to settle down.

She goes the acoustic blues route on "It Ain't Easy...Being Me." Its another bad relationship song, but isn't that what country music is all about? Lindsay knows how to convey that bad relationship angst well.

No matter what your preference, you're likely to find a song or two to love on Shimmer. More likely than not, you'll fall in love with the whole album, because it really is that good.

Lindsay May is an artist you don't want to let pass you by. She may not be a household name yet, but Shimmer may just be the album that makes her one.


Genre: Alt-Country
Sounds Like: Natalie Merchant
Buy: Amazon
Released: March 1, 2012
Rating: 10/10
Listen: Nashville
- Album Review: Lindsay May - Shimmer

Story: Lindsay May’s music is billed as “roots alt-country.” Add some low-down
blues and straight-ahead rock and you come closer to describing the Vancouver singer-
songwriter’s wide-ranging musical approach.

Her vocals – she’s earned well-deserved comparisons to kd lang, Roseanne Cash and
Linda Ronstadt – hold her eclectic song collection together. She’s strong and soaring on
one number, sultry and supple on the next.

Lindsay May performed last Friday night, Mar. 8 in the latest concert presented by
Lillooet Music.

There were country songs alright – a take-no-prisoners cover version of Steve Earle’s
moonshine and Vietnam veteran classic “Copperhead Road” and the easy-on-the-ears
“Hangin’ Around” about the pleasures of free time and being busy doing nothing: “I just
want to hang around/run my hands through the tall grass/sit on the porch out back.”

The sweet love song “Star in the Sky” has a timeless country tone that would feel right at
home in any decade.

One of the show’s highlights was “Nashville” in which Lindsay May captures the hopes
and dreams of a wannabe singer seeking fame and fortune on the road to the Country
Music Capital.

“I’ve got my guitar/ I’ve written 20 songs so far/ and all I can think about is
Nashville…I’ve taken all my penny jars/ I packed the back of this beater car/ and drive
myself all night to Nashville.”

In her introduction to “Nashville,” she described the song as autobiographical “with some
artistic licence taken.”

Calling it “the saddest song I’ve every written” she performed the stark confessional “It
Ain’t Easy Being Me,” with her audience hanging on every word. “Lie to You” was in a
similar vein, exploring the pain of an unhappy relationship.

“Medicated Blues” ventured into gritty blues territory, while May and her backup band
The Ladybugs pulled out all the stops on the rocking, joyous “Spinning 45s.” The song
recalled parties in the basement and spinning records on the stereo as May celebrated her
musical heroes, paying tribute to Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Beach Boys, Patsy
Cline. Led Zeppelin and Carly Simon.

May and the Ladybugs are multi-instrumentalists, with the singer switching easily from
guitar to mandolin (the mandolin’s name is Larry; hey, you had to be there!). Jen Hodge
soloed on electric bass guitar and upright bass and it was remarkable how much rhythmic

support percussionist Gracie Sherman was able to provide with only a hand drum. Hodge
and Sherman also sang harmony vocals on many of the songs.

Lillooet Music books its concerts many months in advance, so it wasn’t planned that
Lindsay May and the Ladybugs would perform on International Women’s Day. Yet it
seemed very appropriate that their genre-bending concert featured songs that were tender
and tough, beautiful and brave. - Lillooet News - Wendy Fraser

Gifted singer/songwriter Lindsay May releases another wonderful album, “the Singles,” that is overflowing with fantastic Country/Americana music. May is a superb vocalist as she takes control of her voice and delivers a powerful punch. Right from the start, the song, “Stick Around,” is soulful as the emotive vocals rises over the complementary and solid supporting instrumentation. The Country flavors on the song, “Hang Around,” lets the bouncy beats infuse with the catchy and melodious melody. Another song, “Lie to You,” lets the listener take in a softer side to May as she sings the tender lyrics with heartfelt sincerity as the guitar gently plays along side. If you’re a fan of Bonnie Raitt or Rosanne Cash then you will definitely like the outstanding Country/Americana flavored songs on the CD, “the Singles.” Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team - Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

Lindsay May's larger then life stage presence allows her total command of the stage and her audience. Her vocal range takes you down roads, peaks, and valley's, and to places you've never been before. Lindsay is also a multi instrumentalist, which keeps her "high energy" show interesting, tingling your auditory nerves with different sounds.
Her story telling and comic relief keeps her crowd interested throughout the evening. This is not to mention how strong her song writing is.
As a record producer, a player, manager, and host of the singer songwriter workshop for the last 3 yrs. I can tell you that Lindsay has held her own with the likes of Bill Bourne, Laura Vinson, Sue Folie, Peter Karp, Rob Heath, Myrol, Jane Hawley, Scott Cooke, Lynol Rault, Sharha Burton, just to name a few of the great writers that have graced our stage. I also want to extend an open invitation for Lindsay to host another songwriting workshop any time she is in the area. Many thanks Lindsay.
Fred La Rose - Fred Larose - Edmonton Booking Agent

Lindsay May “Shimmer”
Posted on March 16, 2012 by Chris
Though it is mostly known for its cold winters, beautiful landscape and world-class hockey players, Canada has also produced some of the most successful bands and musicians of the past century. From Rush to Nickelback to Justin Bieber and Celine Dion, Canada has no shortage of talent on the international musical stage. One of the categories where Canadian musicians shine brightest is female Country artists. From K.D. Lang to Terry Clark and of course Shania Twain, the Great White North has produced some of the greatest women on the modern Country music scene. One of the newest names on this list is west-coast native Lindsay May, and her 2012 album Shimmer is a collection of 10 well-written, emotionally performed Country tracks that are not only radio friendly, but engaging on a deep level at the same time.

One of the reasons that Shimmer is so engaging from an audience point of view is that May brings a strong level of diversity to her songwriting and performances. There are toe-tapping, get up and dance number such as “Spinning 45s,” where May and company lay down a powerful groove that, when mixed with the rhythms of the vocal line, combine to be an energy inducing track that will get even the biggest wallflower up and on the dance floor. There are also medium-tempo tunes such as “Hang Around” that are just as fun to get up and dance to with a partner as they are to sing along to while driving down a long stretch of highway.

On the other side of the spectrum, May lays down some intense slow tracks that showcase her powerful vocals and ability to find the utmost emotional context of any lyric and melodic phrase. Songs such as “Stick Around” bring to light May’s slower side, one that brings to the forefront a slower tempo, but with the same intensity as her faster tracks. Her ability to keep an emotional quality, and high intensity level, no matter where the song tempo takes her, is a quality that helps May stand out among the crowd, giving her songs personality and a connectivity that lifts her songwriting to the next level.

Another good example of this approach, and another 6/8 slow Country groove tune, is “Star in the Sky.” Here, May digs deep into the Country ballad genre to produce one of the biggest highlights of the record. There is something very powerful about a Country ballad that has endured those tunes in the public’s mind for almost a century. And when they’re performed with the soft, yet powerful, touch that May injects inter her vocal lines, these ballads reach new levels of enjoyment with the audience. As well as understanding the importance of featuring slower tracks such as this on the record, May also knows when to bring in vocal harmonies to highlight specific lyrical lines and musical moments during important moments on the song. On this track, the background vocals are never done, but they are used to add weight to specific lines that, when combined with the musical accompaniment, draw the listener in to the melody, leading them along the song’s musical journey until the last note fades from the speakers.

Overall, Shimmer is a very strong release for Canadian Country singer, songwriter and performer Lindsay May. It is releases like this that remind people of the deep musical heritage that Canadian artists have developed over the years, and it goes a long way to building May’s reputation as a Country artist to watch out for in coming years.

Reviewed by Matthew Warnock
Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)
- Matthew Warnock (Independent)

- Live Performance Review of Kelowna CD Release House Concert March 10, 2012 -

Armed with the release of her second album 'Shimmer', Lindsay May shows she knows how to write a great song at her acoustic CD Release concert. Each one diverse and beautifully performed, featuring Lindsay’s unrestrained powerful vocals.


Immersing the senses in great lyrics, images and emotions, Lindsay May’s tone and timing also set her apart. Her full-throttle passionate vocals with a hint of torch and a dash of raucous are authentic and appealing. Good work Lindsay May, you are a complete talent ready to be noticed and enjoyed.”



Shelly Vida

Performing Arts Coordinator

Rotary Centre for the Arts

Kelowna BC
- Shelley Vida - Performing Arts Coordinator, Kelowna Rotary Centre for the Arts

- Live Performance Review of Kelowna CD Release House Concert March 10, 2012 -

Armed with the release of her second album 'Shimmer', Lindsay May shows she knows how to write a great song at her acoustic CD Release concert. Each one diverse and beautifully performed, featuring Lindsay’s unrestrained powerful vocals.


Immersing the senses in great lyrics, images and emotions, Lindsay May’s tone and timing also set her apart. Her full-throttle passionate vocals with a hint of torch and a dash of raucous are authentic and appealing. Good work Lindsay May, you are a complete talent ready to be noticed and enjoyed.”



Shelly Vida

Performing Arts Coordinator

Rotary Centre for the Arts

Kelowna BC
- Shelley Vida - Performing Arts Coordinator, Kelowna Rotary Centre for the Arts

“Bronze and Blue” by Lindsay May is a strong adult rock CD. The CD features Lindsay's outstanding bluesy-rock vocals. The musicianship and production on the CD are professional and clean. The songwriting on the CD is strong, providing memorable choruses and meaningful lyrics that punch through nicely in the mix. “Bittersweet” is a softer track that shows off Lindsay's versatility as a vocalist, and builds nicely to a harmony-filled chorus. The title track boasts a catchy guitar groove, nice breaks, and a nice contrast between the chorus and verses. “Medication Blues" is a classic blues tune with tasteful blues guitar fills and Lindsay's strong vocals, which are reminiscent of generations of fine Blues artists. If you enjoy blues rock, you will enjoy this CD feature Lindsay's vocal talents.
-Lea and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team - Lea and the Radio Indy team

“Bronze and Blue” by Lindsay May is a strong adult rock CD. The CD features Lindsay's outstanding bluesy-rock vocals. The musicianship and production on the CD are professional and clean. The songwriting on the CD is strong, providing memorable choruses and meaningful lyrics that punch through nicely in the mix. “Bittersweet” is a softer track that shows off Lindsay's versatility as a vocalist, and builds nicely to a harmony-filled chorus. The title track boasts a catchy guitar groove, nice breaks, and a nice contrast between the chorus and verses. “Medication Blues" is a classic blues tune with tasteful blues guitar fills and Lindsay's strong vocals, which are reminiscent of generations of fine Blues artists. If you enjoy blues rock, you will enjoy this CD feature Lindsay's vocal talents.
-Lea and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team - Lea and the Radio Indy team

HERIZONS

January 2009 Herizons

Lindsay May
Independent
Review by Cindy Filipenko

The first thing you’ll notice on Lindsay May’s full-length debut, Bronze and Blue, is just how well crafted the songs are. May, who writes in the same singer-songwriter groove as Mary Chapin Carpenter and Lucinda Williams, shows that she’s pretty handy with a hook. Illustrating this skill best is a trio of country-rockers-- “I Was a Girl,” “I Want a Love” and “I Spy”--that features the kind of retro organ that marked early Blue Rodeo.
The fact that Bronze and Blue is brimming over with foot-tapping melodies and songs with almost perfect cadence is no accident. For the past few years, May has been working with veteran B.C. folkies such as Bill Henderson (former head of Chilliwack) and Roy Forbes (who recorded a few regional hits in the ’70s and ’80s under the ridiculous moniker Bim) through her association with the Red Cedar Songwriting. It shows. These guys know the tricks of the trade and have passed them on to May.
But there’s more to Bronze and Blue than just some pleasantly polished pop. May proves her mettle on the blues number “Medication Blues.”
A solid guitarist, May sounds like someone who would be great to hear in a small venue with just said instrument and her immensely likeable alt-folk vocals. May needs to commit to one market and jump in with both feet. Or maybe she needs to start sending out demos to established artists—her songs are that good. - Herizons Magazine

The Shore 104.3 FM moved one step closer to crowning its official Song of Summer 2010 on Monday when the radio station announced the 10 finalists in its Sounds of Summer contest.

The B.C.-centric songwriting competition will award $20,000 in development funds to its winner, which will be announced at the end of July. The winner will also receive feature play at the Burnaby Root & Blues Festival and other Shore events this summer.

“We had a great cross-section of different kinds of artists, so we were pretty happy,” said Patrick Zulinov, the Shore’s program and music director. “We had some pretty good judges with a wide range of opinions, but it was all pretty much centred on those 10.”

The judging panel narrowing the finalists from 20 to 10 included Wide Mouth Mason’s Shaun Verreault, Don McLeod and a variety of media and industry types.

The Top 10 artists will be featured throughout July on the Shore’s airwaves, where listeners will be asked to provide feedback. Industry heavies Sam Feldman, Bruce Allen and Nettwerk’s Terry McBride will also weigh in.

fmarchand@vancouversun.com

The top 10

Reid Jamieson

Location: Vancouver

Song: Rail

Veteran alt-country songwriter and heartbreaker Reid Jamieson is no stranger to the musical grind. His songs can regularly be heard on CBC’s Vinyl Cafe and he has played at Hillside, NXNE and CMW, among other big name fests. He will be releasing a new album this year.

Robert Wilson

Location: Vancouver

Song: Big Sore Heart

This veteran singer-songwriter with a heart of soul has shared the stage with Aimee Mann and Jason Mraz. His latest effort, Lovers One -Haters Zero was inspired by his formative travels 20 years ago. Wilson has been touring internationally for more than 15 years.

The Belle Game

Location: Vancouver/Montreal

Song: Tiny Fires

Split between the two coasts, the Belle Game has been seen performing in Vancouver, Montreal and New York, and has been blogged about in France and all over Canada. The band’s debut EP, Inventing Letters, was released in November.

Zaac Pick

Location: Vancouver

Song: My Century

Pick’s songs have been featured on TV shows like One Tree Hill and Ghost Whisperer and the woodsy singer-songwriter toured the U.K. in 2009 with stops in Belfast and London. His debut album, Fierce Wind, was recorded in his kitchen and produced by Daniel Mendez (Dashboard Confessional).

Scott Valentine

Location: Vancouver Island

Song: Do It For Love

Valentine’s debut album, Seasons, is much more than your run-of-the-mill project: It’s a quadruple disc endeavour (one disc for each season) containing 57 songs, with a bonus DVD that acts as visual companion. And it was all self-produced, designed and packaged.

Quest Poetics

Location: Vancouver

Song: Phantom of Smiles

Originally from El Paso, Tex., Randy Ponzio has played some of the biggest festivals in the world, including the Montreal Jazz Festival. His podcasts have garnered more than 300,000 subscribers and, last year alone, he collected more than 25,000 e-mails through his constant Internet presence.

Garrett Kato

Location: Port Coquitlam

Song: Mountains

A Peak Performance Project and SEEDS veteran, Kato and his track Mountains have received extensive airplay in Vancouver. Kato has also played at the 2009 Vans Warped Tour at Thunderbird Stadium, and he is fast becoming a concert regular in the Greater Vancouver area.

Lindsay May

Location: Kelowna

Song: Lie to You

Kelowna-raised May has a knack for fusing the retro sounds of blues and rock, channelling the spirit of Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow and k.d. lang. Her 2008 debut album, Bronze and Blue, was nominated for three B.C. Interior Music Awards.

The Matinee

Location: Vancouver

Song: Let Her Go

“Music to drink to. Music to dance to. Music to sit on the porch and ponder,” says the Matinee’s bio. That’s a spot-on assessment. This sextet has also been involved with the BC Schizophrenia Society and BC Arts Council’s Arts Starts program and played for more than 75,000 students over five years.

Headwater

Location: Vancouver

Song: Brown Stone Road

Acoustic folkies Headwater have built a strong following in Europe, where they often tour. Their ability to deliver three-part harmonies in tightly knit songs has been the key to gathering more fans.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun


Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Shore Song Summer narrowed finalists/3238714/story.html?cid#ixzz0tEA6bLZG - Vancouver Sun

Lindsay May Bronze And Blue (Indie)

Here’s another example of the fine musical talent this country has to offer. Vancouver-based singer/songwriter Lindsay May’s debut release Bronze And Blue is an impressive effort from start to finish due to the fact that although the album’s production is warm and clean, it presents her sonically in the best possible way. May’s strong songwriting skills and evocative singing voice and style ensure that the diamond at the centre of this creation is not overwhelmed by its setting. Her backing band supports May beautifully at every turn, and although she is being marketed as an Adult Contemporary artist, the fact is that the ‘blue’ in the CD title is fully justified every time she sings a note. A powerfully sincere piece of work all round. Recommended. – Rod Nicholson Performance: B+ /Production: B+ - Scene Magazine - London Ontario

It was a wonderful surprise to have Lindsay (May) back in Kelowna to perform her great original music for us lucky attendees at the"Electic sans Electric" concert held at the Kelowna Unitarian church.
Her powerful voice filled the church hall, no need for any
electronic help, which is good because there was no electronic
help. And then there is the sound of her voice. It is unique and
made for the blues. If you put this all together. you have an
unforgetable night.

Lindsay is welcome to come again and perform any time. - Kelowna Fringe Folk Club

Lindsay May
Bronze And Blue
Independent


Bronze and Blue, the debut album of Lindsay May, is a solid first step into what will no doubt be a lengthy and productive music career. With her unique phrasing and distinctive smoky tone, she doesn’t emulate any singer of today. Lindsay is one of a kind.

All of the songs save one were written by May. They deal mostly with relationships - messy and otherwise - as well as introspective peeks at life. While the songs are generally strong and polished, some of them sound like they haven’t quite matured yet. “I Spy” and the title track “Bronze and Blue” feel like there is a bit of disconnect between the singer and the song. It isn’t until the third track “Bittersweet” that you really feel the emotion of the song as Lindsay begins to unfold and stretch her great, 6 foot voice. She continues gathering power with an unquenchable, heated vocal that leaves you aching, in “Irresistible You”. On “Too Much” and “Hard To Break” we see an edgier, tougher side of her as she shoots out the lyrics and declares her strength. While on “What I Am”, the only song she didn’t write, she delivers a toss of the head cheekiness. The album is very well produced with an exceptional cast of supporting musical characters.

Lindsay May has only titillated the palate with Bronze and Blue. Given time to flesh out and live the corners of life, she will be a noticeable force in the music community. If what we hear in these songs is any indication of what is yet to come, then we are in for some serious ear candy. Lindsay May is on a rising trajectory.


By Shelley Gummeson
Oct 21, 2008
- !earshot magazine reviewer Shelley Gummeson

Lindsay May delivers a power-packed set. Big vocals, warm and strong, or downright tender when the song calls for it. Reminds me of English cult favorite Alison Moyet. Driving rhythmic sense, and a literate approach to the craft of songwriting. I've seen her perform solo acoustic and with a full band and she is in complete command in either situation. Lindsay loves what she does and the audience gets it.

- John Pippus - Vancouver Booking Agent